Cebu Greats absorb another heartbreaker

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Greats failed to deliver a victory to their fans in their back-to-back home games.

After a disappointing 77-78 loss to Biñan Tatak Gel last July 16 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, the Greats suffered another heartbreaker.

This time at the hands of North Division leaders Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.

Fighting with great resolve before a highly partisan crowd, Caloocan blasted Cebu, 89-76, in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 8 on Saturday evening, July 18, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Greats actually scored the game’s first four points courtesy of Wowie Escosio and Mark Maneses but that was their only bright moment as the Batang Kankaloo staged a blistering counter-attack to seize full command of the match, 27-14, after the first period.

Caloocan sustained its momentum to establish a commanding 46-26 lead at halftime.

From there, the Greats couldn’t get any closer than 11 points, 59-70, on a 3-pointer by Meneses with still 7:21 left to play.

Jammer Jamito and Kymani Ladi bagged 17 points each while Jeff Manday nearly posted a triple double with 15 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists as the Batang Kankaloo improved their record to 16-2.

Meneses fired a game-high 27 points with seven rebounds and three assists but his impressive showing went down the drain as Cebu fell to 14-5.

Cebu will take a one-week break before resuming its campaign against Pasig City on July 25 at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan.